Tuesday, December 7, 2010

December is a month filled with shopping, booze and soirées. So GEM would like to give you a little taste of our end of year “Gemtastic Faves,” which are sure to turn that post-black-Friday frown upside down! Share some of your own GEM NYC faves this holiday season, and/or if you’d like to drop us a line please do so at gem@ulmedia.net.

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TRAVELICIOUS:

Holiday travel plans got you seeing double? Well, if you’re a late packer like me – you’ll want to at least be organized. GEM has gone absolutely gaga over the Joy Mangano “Clothes It All” Large Elite Luxury suitcase – as it’s a marriage made in heaven between luggage genius and dresser organization. This unique piece features a drawer system that turns your suitcase into a mobile dresser, so there's no need to unpack when you get to your destination. Easy-view clear windows allow you to see at a glance what's in each drawer. With its distinctive croco-embossed trim, this suitcase is designed to get noticed. The suitcase comes in Black, Copper, Pewter, Saddle, Deep Sage, Espresso, Ocean Blue or Raspberry Red. To view similar items or purchase this piece, click here.

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MOISTURE THERAPY:

LIPS - As the days get colder and colder, our lips remind us via chapped membranes that we really need to nourish ourselves with a fast absorbing topical treatment. EOS (Evolution of Smooth) lip balms are certified USDA organic, and made with 95% certified organic ingredients. Aside from being mostly organic, they are 100% natural and made without petrolatum and parabens (wax). The main ingredients include jojoba oil for long-lasting moisture; shea butter for softening; and vitamin E for antioxidant protection and healing. And let’s not forget that adorable recyclable packaging! These balms are brightly colored and packaged with a sturdy “soft touch” plastic for a unique feel. These babies can be purchased online here for less than $4 here.

HANDS – I went to Israel years ago for a business trip, and I returned enamored not by the Israeli armed guards, but by this miracle hand cream. Dead Sea Treatment Hand Cream, by Sea of Spa is only available for purchase online, as it’s imported directly from Israel via several online merchants, but it’s definitely worth the extra shipping! I’ve had my 3.4 oz tube for more than 6 months because “ a little, for sure goes a long way.” Dead Sea Treatment is a unique enriching and moisturizing cream composed of natural oils, primarily avocado oil, and enriched with aloe vera extract and Dead Sea minerals. This cream can safely be categorized as the “La Mer” for hands – at a microscopic fraction of the prize. It goes on smoothly, and does not leave a greasy residue as it is absorbed by your skin almost instantly. I can safely predict that if you purchase this cream – you’ll be addicted to its moisturizing prowess, just as I am now. To purchase this dry hand miracle treatment, click here.

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TOOLS OF THE TRADE:

HEARTBEATS - high performance in-ear headphones by Lady Gaga are holistically designed to deliver the soundtrack of your life with clarity and power, as well as satisfy your passion for fashion. Immerse yourself in pitch-perfect highs, precise mids, and club caliber bass. Because when your music sounds amazing, you stop hearing it, and start feeling it. In other words, sound really matters. Plus, Lady Gaga didn’t just style-check Heartbeats, she created the design to ensure they look like no other headphone out there. For other selections and to peruse through the Monster Beats store click here.

HONESTY BOWS – How many times have you been suckered into the “Secret Santa” exchange at work? It’s already difficult to buy something for your family and loved ones, but what about the awkward guy in I.T. – the budget is only $25! Let the presentation of your present show that sometimes it really IS the thought that counts... These cheeky ribbon kits have 10 meters of ribbon and 6 stick-on bows that tell it like it is. 3 clever options: "Caution! Panic purchase", "I still have the receipt" and "It's the thought that counts". These handy messengers come in purple with fuchsia text, black with yellow text, and turquoise with blue text. To view all selections and purchase a pack of honesty bows click here.

PITCH ME COLD - The pure elements pour out swiftly with this stainless steel pitcher of industrial design and exceptional proportions. It’s tall, shiny and stainless, holding 60 ounces of tap or bottled H20, with a "C" shaped handle. This pitcher is ideal for the manliest of men and their bachelor pads – as well as for the daintiest of art deco feminine enthusiasts. Your friends will swoon over this pitcher, as it keeps its contents as cold as if they were bathed in ice. This stainless steel utilitarian piece of art can be purchased here for less than $30.

WHAT NICE STEMS YOU HAVE – I don’t know if many of you remember the major department store Fortunoff’s? Well, all I know is that the last time I stepped into a Fortunoff’s, there was a set of black martini glasses tormenting my wallet. I felt like I was making circles around this set of stemware. They taunted me, saying sweet nothings of how much attention they can bring to my limited hosting abilities. So, in the end they were right. $36 later, I was all of a sudden the most chic and elegant new year’s eve party host, and all of my friends were going gaga over my midnight stemware. This Gemtastic stemware in black glass is classic and adds a richness to any table setting – quantities are limited, so consider getting some quickly here, before others steal your spotlight this holiday!

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SCENT OF A WOMAN:

Whoever coined the term “spoiled for choice” might as well have been talking about fragrance. It’s been told in the industry, that the best fragrances mix warm notes with light, citrusy ones for a scent that’s rich but not overpowering. So let’s have a look at which ones made the GEM pre-view list of best gems…

Another great citrusy scent is Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune, which has grapefruit, bergamot, and petitgrain (an extract of bitter orange, tends to add a more robust citrus tone), mixed with patchouli and vanilla for balance.

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EAR CANDY:

Eliot Danori earrings are timeless, ageless, and outright spectacular. I have yet to find a pair of Danori’s which do not make me look like a million bucks! You can wear these inside-out crystal hoops with skinny jeans and leather or suede knee-high boots, and with the ever-so-chic sweater dresses and chunky belts… But where these go – most hoops have not gone before, and that’s to the upscale black-tie affairs and New Year’s Eve fêtes. The shine and sparkle that you get from these inside-out crystal hoops is unsurpassed, so if you want to shine above the rest at your next soirée, make sure to don these babies by clicking here.

This live band combines innovative, original material with intense crowd moving performances, poured carefully into a pot of ingredients which include: Funk/ Soul, Latino Caribeno, Jazz, Brazilian, Hip Hop and House. All served with a side dish of Soultry vocals sung in Spanish, English, and Portuguese- music for the struggle, love and life! For a little preview of San Juan Hill’s stylings CLICK on the video below.

There is a $10 cover fee which will go towards the United Latino Professional’s Annual Christmas Toy Drive, as they aim to provide toys for nearly 100 families in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

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GEM NYC uncovers the Latino jewels of New York City’s arts, culture, fashion, food, and events.
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